Smashing Pumpkins’ Original Lineup Could Reunite in 2018

As 2017 began, we learned about the possibility of the original lineup of Smashing Pumpkins performing together for the first time since 1999. Now, we learn that it could happen as early as next year.

Speaking to WGN Radio, drummer Jimmy Chamberlin said, "We were talking about playing next year with the band and somebody asked me, you know, 'What's it like trying to coordinate that?' I said, 'It's like Grumpy Old Men 3, only there's four grumpy old men and one's a woman.' [Laughs] So... that's how it's gotten to be."

But Chamberlin, the only other original member besides frontman Billy Corgan in the band -- although Chamberlin has had several stints in it -- admitted that his personal relationship with Corgan is strained, but they're adult enough to not let it affect the music.

"The two hours that we spend playing music together is the greatest thing in the world," he said. "It's the other twenty-two hours of the day that him and I are… He's got opinions, I've got opinions; we're both grown men, right?"

"Musically, we've never been at odds," he continued. "I mean, I can honestly say that since 1988, I don't think Billy and I have ever argued about music one time. I can't think of one time where I played something and he was, like, 'What?' Or he played something and I was, like, 'Oh, don't.' Our musical relationship is that intact. ... Even when I came back to do the [Marilyn] Manson tour in [2015], we hadn't played since 2007. I mean, you're talking about going out and [playing in front of] eighteen thousand people. We rehearsed for five days — that was it. And after two days, we were ready to rock. I mean, it's just in your DNA."

In describing the chemistry of the group, he recalled a quote from former (and possibly future) bassist D'Arcy Wretzky. "When they asked her just an insanely rude and misogynistic question, they said, 'What's it like being a girl in the Smashing Pumpkins?' And she said, 'It's like being married to three guys you wouldn't even date.' So I think that's the best answer."

News about a Smashing Pumpkins reunion began last March when guitarist James Iha sat in with them in Los Angeles. A few months later, Corgan revealed that he and Wretzky had resumed their friendship after many years apart. Then, this past January, Corgan admitted that they were discussing the possibility of a tour, “Things look good for us getting together to play," he said. "So, we’re talking about it. We’ll see.”